Sofia Vergara blasts critics of 'sexist' Emmy pedestal

Backstage at the Primetime Emmys, Sofia Vergara blasted critics who called her pedestal gag sexist.

During the 66th annual awards, the Modern Family actress stepped onto on a slowly rotating pedestal, showing off her curves while the president of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Bruce Rosenblum did his annual dull drone-speech. The gag was immediately slammed on Twitter and some news sites: “A very troubling turn,” wrote HuffPo. “She was treated like a literal object,” fumed Jezebel. “A bizarre, objectifying Emmy moment,” headlined Salon.

Yet when asked whether the stunt was sexist and demeaning, Vergara shot back: “I think its absolutely the opposite. It means that somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself. I think it’s ridiculous that somebody started this—I know who she was—who has no sense of humor [and should] lighten up a little bit.”

It’s not immediately clear who Vergara was referring to has having started the criticism.

Vergara’s Modern Family later claimed the best comedy series Emmy for the fifth time (tying NBC’s Frasier for the all-time most wins in the category). The actress then went to HBO’s after party where she hit the dance floor while a retro band played 1960s and 70s pop classics.